Explainer | Nexus enrollment centers are reopening in Canada. This is how you can sign up

If you’re looking to skip the check-in line when crossing the US border, you may be in luck: Starting this week, Nexus Canada application centers will reopen at eight major airports.

The Nexus Trusted Traveler program will be fully reactivated in five weeks, the federal government said Monday, after application centers across the country were closed for nearly a year in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) said in an email that the pause resulted in a backlog of around 269,000 applications currently waiting to be processed. New applications can take 12-14 months to process, including the initial risk assessment, according to a spokesperson.

Here’s what you need to know:

What is Nexus?

The Nexus program expedites border crossings between Canada and the US for “pre-approved low-risk travelers” according to the CBSA. It is run by the CBSA in conjunction with the US Customs and Border Protection.

Nexus memberships last for five years and carry a non-refundable application processing fee of $50 (US). Each member of a family needs their own membership, although children under 18 are free.

Advantages when entering Canada include: kiosks and Nexus gates at nine international airports, TSA pre-check lines at more than 200 US airports, dedicated lanes at 21 land border crossings, Nexus gates at the Bridge Ontario Peace and Ambassador Bridges and expedited clearance through Canadian security check lines where available.

Privileges when going to the US include: global entry kiosks at eight Canadian airports, dedicated lanes at 16 land border crossings, and faster processing at all sea crossings.

Who is eligible for Nexus?

Nexus is open to Canadian citizens, Canadian permanent residents, US citizens, US lawful permanent residents, and Mexican citizens who are members of the Trusted Traveler Program.

To qualify for permanent residence in Canada or the US, one must be a legal resident of either country for at least three years. Exceptions may be made for certain members of the military or the family of persons on a diplomatic mission.

Individuals convicted of a serious criminal offense in any country who have not yet been pardoned are not eligible for Nexus. Applicants must pass background and criminal background checks to qualify.

Other requirements include providing true and complete information on the application and not violating customs, agricultural, or immigration laws.

How can I request Nexus?

The program is no longer accepting paper applications; those eligible must apply through the US Department of Homeland Security. “Trusted traveler portal”.

First, create a login.gov accounta login service used by certain US government agencies. Next, navigate to the Trusted Traveler Portal and select the Nexus pass from the five available options.

You will be prompted for your login.gov information. After logging in with your account, fill out the form and submit it. Once the program conditionally approves your application, you will be invited for an interview with the US and Canada border authorities. Please refer to your Trusted Traveler Program System account for the invitation.

Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent, legal guardian or other adult during their interview.

How did the Nexus interviews change?

As of this week, there are now three options for conditionally approved applicants to complete their interview:

  • As before, applicants can complete a joint interview with US-Canadian border personnel at a US registration site.
  • Applicants may choose to have an interview with Canadian border security at one of eight major Canadian airports, followed by a separate interview with US authorities at an enrollment center at the Canadian border.

Where can I interview for Nexus in Canada?

Starting this week, applicants can book interviews for the following dates at the specified airports:

March 27th

  • Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
  • Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG)

April 3

  • Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

April 12th

  • Calgary International Airport (YYC)
  • Edmonton International Airport (YEG)

April 17th

  • Montreal Trudeau International Airport (YUL)

april 24

  • Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
  • Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)

How can I renew my Nexus card?

If your five-year membership is about to end or has expired, you can renew through the same Trusted Travelers Portal, although you will have to pay another $50 (US) fee.

If there are no changes to your personal information and nothing has changed to affect your eligibility, you may not need an interview.

While renewals previously took around 30 days to process, there are currently long wait times for interviews due to the high backlog of applications.

Why was Nexus shut down in Canada?

Although Nexus enrollment centers have been open in the US since May 2022, centers in Canada have remained closed until now, in part due to a dispute over the “legal authority” of US border personnel. in Canadian locations.

In January, the two authorities reached a compromise: Canadian border agents will now interview applicants separately from their American counterparts, rather than working together as they did before the pandemic.

With archives from The Canadian Press

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